Temperament and mindset are two extremely crucial factors in cricket. Without having a proper temperament or a lack of balance in the mindset, it becomes really difficult for a cricketer to sustain the success which he gains.
The cricketing fraternity has come across several names, who have been talented and have exceeded quickly in no time. However, due to a poor temperament and a lack of balance in the appropriate mindset, such names often end up messing their careers.
Ben Stokes, the mighty talented English all rounder is one name who is full of optimism. Stokes has reminded viewers of Flintoff and Botham. He is willing to give his heart out for his side. But one factor, which England cricket fans are wary of, is Stokes’ mindset.
Ben Stokes is a fickle minded guy, and his hotshot temperament can trigger off at any moment. Last year in the Caribbean for instance, Stokes vented out his frustration on a locker, only to fracture his hand. In return, he ended up missing the flight to Bangladesh for the 2014 T20 World Cup.
Stokes’ return to international cricket has been a great one for sure. A Man of the Match performance at Lord’s, when England was down and out simply says a story about Stokes’ ability. There is not even an iota of doubt over Stokes’ talent and potential. But it is his temper which is a worrying factor.
England’s international calendar is lined up with numerous assignments. The English will play a five match ODI series a T20 game against New Zealand. The New Zealand series will be followed by the all important Ashes, when the Australians tour England for five tests, five ODI’s and two T20Is.
Post the Ashes, the England stars travel to UAE to play three tests and five ODI’s against Pakistan in the extreme heat of the Gulf. After a two week break, they brace for a thorny tour of South Africa comprising of four tests and atleast five ODI’s. Their international year ends with the 2016 T20 World Cup in India.
Stokes will be a key member for all the series’. It thus becomes imperative of the ECB to take care and monitor Stokes’ mindset. Without being in a clear and proper state of mind, Stokes cannot achieve success. In return, if Stokes doesn’t achieve success, then even the England side wouldn’t achieve success.
The visiting Australians such as David Warner, Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin will surely get under the skin of Stokes. They will surely try to ignite Stokes and make him lose his calm. The ECB should acknowledge that and should keep a counselor on standby.
Joe Root, the star batsman has been in awe of Stokes and this is what he said: “He is growing up. He makes mistakes now and again but that is why he is the player he is. He is aggressive, he is always in your face, I’m not saying off the field, but that’s his personality.”
“For him it is about making sure he can control it in a way which makes him more consistent. The thing about Ben is, every time he pulls on the shirt he gives absolutely everything. I don’t think that is going to change. When he is bowling, he will run in until he barely can’t move anymore, if he is given that choice. And when he is batting, he is a free spirit, he goes and plays his shots and puts sides under pressure.
“In the field, he is dynamic, he can field anywhere, he has shown that in one-day cricket and Test cricket. He is one of those blokes you want in the side because he rubs off on you and gives everything.”
Only time will dictate the success which is achieved by the ever talented Ben Stokes.
